Water treatment mixture and methods and system for use

ABSTRACT

A product and apparatus for cleaning water or industrial and sewage waste water includes a mixture of diatomite that is heated and stirred to impart an enhanced negative electrical charge to the diatomite. A mixture of approximately 50% aluminium chloride (AlCl 3 ) by volume is blended to provide a powder mixture for use as a flocculant in the system. According to a modification, the charged diatomite is instead blended with a mixture of approximately 50% ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) by volume and is stored in liquid form for later use as a flocculant in the system. From one to five percent, by volume, of polyacrylamide is preferably added to the mixture for use in sewage waste water treatment applications. An efficient system for reacting either the mixture or separately adding the diatomite and the metallic chloride to the water is described.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/746,451 filed Dec. 23, 2003, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety, and for which benefit isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. 120.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention, relates to method and apparatus for waterpurification, and to combination of water purification and energygeneration, and more particularly, to application of such method andapparatus to industrial and municipal waste-water treatment.

2. Prior Art

The treatment of industrial waste water and sewage has posed manydifficult problems to overcome. For example, various chemicals that arepresent in industrial waste water resist removal. Similarly, sewagewaste water may also contain a wide array of substances, some of whichare also difficult to separate from the water.

Even when presently known methods work, there is room for improvement.For example, the area of land that is required for such treatment is avaluable commodity; it is desirable to reduce this area so that greaterutility can be made of the land.

It is also desirable to reduce the investment required in watertreatment-building construction and also the cost of operationafterwards.

It is similarly desirable to increase efficiency in purifying industrialwaste water and sewage water, thereby providing a higher quality ofwater for release into the environment as well as lessening the need fortreatment chemicals and flocculants.

It is also desirable to be able to adapt to changes in flow rates, forexample when sewage flow rates increase or decrease while maintaininghigh treatment efficiency.

It is further desirable that such operation be temperature insensitiveover the normal operating temperature range of the system.

It is desirable that much of the remaining accumulated sludge be ofsufficient quality that it can be used as fertilizer or adapted as afuel, thereby creating a revenue stream.

Also, prior waste water treatment methods and systems tend to be slow,often requiring twelve or more hours to chemically react with certainflocculants or to be affected by biological treatment methods sufficientfor discharge. If the time required is great, then a substantially largefacility is required to treat a correspondingly large flow rate. If thetreatment process is slow, the facility may simply not be able keep upwith the flow during peak periods. The risk of then having to, by way ofmere necessity, discharge substantially polluted waste water alsoarises. This poses a bio-hazard for all concerned.

The above needs also apply in general to the purification of water, forwhatever purpose and regardless of how the water is to be used, and inparticular, water that will subsequently be used as drinking water.Drinking water often begins as river or lake water and is apt to containa variety of pollutants and organisms that require removal prior toconsumption. The instant invention applies to the purification andtreatment of drinking water, as well.

Accordingly, there exists today a need for a water treatment mixture andsystem for use that furthers the attainment of these objectives.

Clearly, such a product and system would be useful and desirable.

Waste water treatment mixtures and systems are, in general, known. Theuse of diatomite to filter beer, stabilize dynamite, or improve asphaltis known. Diatomite has also been used in China to filter sewage withdifferent mixtures and always with an intermediate filter. While thestructural arrangements of the known types of products and systems may,at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, theydiffer in material respects. These differences, which will be describedin more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of theinvention and which admit of the advantages that are not available withthe prior products and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water treatmentmixture and system for use that includes a diatomite and a metallicchloride mixture used as a flocculant, rather than as a filter, astaught by the prior art. It is also an important object of the inventionto provide a water treatment mixture and system for use that is fasterat purifying water than previously known types of chemical or biologicaltreatment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a water treatment mixtureand system for use that includes electrically charged diatomite and ametallic chloride mixture for use as a flocculant.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a water treatmentmixture and system for use that includes electrically charged diatomiteand a metallic chloride mixture as a flocculant which can be preparedahead of time and then stored for later use for an extended period oftime without a significant loss of electrical charge or efficacy.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that does not require the use offilters.

Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a method andapparatus for water treatment that is useful in treating eitherindustrial waste water or sewage. Still yet another important object ofthe invention is to provide a water treatment system that furtheradvances the goals of reducing the amount of land required by atreatment facility and also the amount of land that is required for thestorage of sludge, and which requires a lower initial investment forconstruction of the treatment facility and which provides for long termeconomical operation of the treatment facility, and which improves watertreatment efficiency, and provides adaptability for responding quicklyto changes in the flow rate, and is not affected by reasonabletemperature fluctuations, and which helps to reduce subsequentenvironment contamination.

A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is effective at extractinggerms, bacteria, and organisms from the water.

A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is effective at attracting,condensing, and settling suspended particles out of city and industrialwaster water.

A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is adapted to permit the wasteparticles to settle to the bottom of a tank while permitting clear waterto accumulate and flow out from the top of the tank.

A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture that can be packaged, stored, and sold for later useas a flocculant.

A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is effective at removing heavymetals as well as inks from industrial waste water and from sewage.

A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is effective at cleansingespecially dirty industrial waste water or sewage waste water.

A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that is effective at treatingindustrial waste water or sewage waste water without the need for anintermediate filter (i.e., a screen).

An eighth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that utilizes a reaction chamberand one settling tank instead of a plurality of settling ponds.

A ninth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that utilizes two or more reactionchambers for each settling tank.

A tenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that can purify incoming wastewater sufficient for discharge within approximately two hours of time.

An eleventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a watertreatment mixture and system for use that utilizes as many reactionchambers and as many settling tanks as necessary to accommodate thequantity of flow required at any size of water treatment facility.

A twelfth continuing object of the invention is to provide a method ofwater treatment in combination with energy generation so that the systemresults in no or a minimum of waste to be disposed.

Briefly, the methods and apparatus of water treatment utilizes apre-prepared special mixture of diatomite, the latent negativeelectrical charge of which has been substantially increased, and a metalchloride, especially aluminium chloride. To substantially increase thelatent negative electrical charge, the diatomite is heated to frombetween 170° F. to 225° F., and preferably between 180° F. to 200° F.,in an iron container, pot or vessel while stirring with a raw ironpaddle. Approximately 50% by volume of the diatomite, with the increasednegative electrical charge, is combined with approximately 50% by volumealuminium chloride (AlCl₃) (the preferred material) and blended tocreate a homogeneous mixture in powder form that will retains theincreased negative electrical charge for at least one year. Thealuminium chloride content can vary from 40% by volume to 60% by volume.To this mixture is added from 1-5%, by volume, of polyacrilamide. Thisfinal mixture is used as a flocculant in the method and system of thepresent invention, as described hereinafter. Although it is possible toblend the increased negative electrically charged diatomite with ferricchloride (FeCl₃) in a ratio of 50% by volume to 50% by volume, thisblend will preferably be needed to be diluted with water sufficiently sothat it can be stored in liquid form for later use as a flocculant. The1-5%, by volume, of polyacrilamide can be added to this liquid mixture.The addition of the polyacrilamide is especially useful in the treatmentof waste water (i.e., sewage).

Still further objects of the invention include a composition for use asa flocculant for removing deleterious substances from water, comprisinga mixture of treated diatomite and a metal chloride having a long termsustainable negative electric charge of a magnitude sufficient toproduce movement in human hair when brought close to it.

The metal chloride in the composition is selected from the groupconsisting of ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, and magnesiumchloride. Preferably the metal chloride is aluminium chloride. Themixture is composed of equal parts by volume of diatomite and metallicchloride. The mixture can include polyacrylamide. In a preferredembodiment, the mixture is composed of equal parts by volume ofdiatomite and aluminium chloride, and from 1 to 5% of polyacrylamide.

Further the objects include a method of making a composition for use asa flocculant for removing deleterious substances from water, comprisingthe steps of

a. heating diatomite in an iron vessel from room temperature to atemperature of from 170° F. to 225° F.,

b. stirring with an iron paddle during heating to substantially enhancediatomite's natural negative charge electrical,

c. cooling the heated and stirred diatomite to room temperature, and

d. mixing the cooled diatomite with a metal chloride selected from thegroup consisting of ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, and magnesiumchloride,

In the method, polyacrylamide can be added to the mixture. The preferredheating is to 180° F. to 200° F. The preferred mixture is of equal partsby volume of the diatomite and the metal chloride. The mixture caninclude 1 to 5% of polyacrylamide.

Further objects include a method for treating waste water, comprisingthe steps of:

(a) establishing a vertically oriented first reaction zone having across section that increases from a small cross section at the bottom toa maximum at the top;

(b) establishing a vertically oriented secondary reaction zonesurrounding the first reaction zone that communicates with the firstreaction zone at top and bottom;

(c) establishing a vertically oriented collection zone surrounding thesecondary reaction zone that communicates with the secondary reactionzone at the bottom;

(d) treating diatomite to impart a long term sustainable negativeelectric charge of a magnitude sufficient to produce movement in humanhair when brought close to it;

(e) maintaining a source of waste water to be treated;

(f) mixing the treated diatomite and a metal chloride with waste waterto be treated,

(g) drawing waste water from the source and injecting the waste waterwith treated diatomite and a metal chloride mixed therein into thebottom of the first reaction zone under sufficient pressure so that itwill flow upwardly and overflows the top of the first reaction zone withat least the lower portion of the first reaction zone being in aturbulent state, the overflow flowing downwardly through the secondaryreaction zone;

(h) recirculating a first portion of the down flow through the secondaryreaction zone to the bottom of the first reaction zone to be mixed withthe waste water being injected into the bottom of the first reactionzone;

(i) recirculating a second portion of the down flow through thesecondary reaction zone to mix with the waste water from the source;

(j); circulating a third portion of the down flow through the secondaryreaction zone to the collection zone surrounding the secondary reactionzone whereupon the solids settle and separate from the water to form afirst solids layer at the bottom of the collection zone and water formsa second clarified layer at the top of the collection zone; and

(k) removing clarified water from the top of the collection zone andsolids from the bottom of the collection zone.

The preferred metal chloride is aluminium chloride. Also, a plurality offirst reaction zones can be employed. The waste water can be subjectedto a preliminary treatment to remove heavy solids, large solids andoxygenated. A germicide/bactericide can be added to the waste waterbefore injection into the first reaction zone. The method can includethe steps of settling removed solids, adding a water separation materialto the settled solids, removing water from the solids, and returningremoved water to the source of waste water to be treated. If the methodis for treating sewage containing waste water the method can include thesteps of mixing the solids having water removed therefrom with acombustible material, burning the mixed solids and combustible materialto generate hot gases, using the hot gases to generate electricity,collecting the ash containing diatomite from the burned mixture, usingthe collected ash as a soil improvement material. Further, the methodcan include the further steps of removing diatomite from the ash, andreusing the diatomite. The pH of the waste water is preferablyneutralized prior to being injected into the first reaction zone.

The objects further include apparatus for treating waste water,comprising:

a. means for establishing a vertically oriented first reaction zonehaving a cross section that increases from a small cross section at thebottom to a maximum at the top for reacting waste water;

b. means for establishing a vertically oriented secondary reaction zonesurrounding the first reaction zone that communicates with the firstreaction zone at top and bottom for continuing reacting waste water;

c. means for establishing a vertically oriented collection zonesurrounding the secondary reaction zone that communicates with thesecondary reaction zone at the bottom for collecting solids andclarified water;

d. means for treating diatomite to impart a long term sustainablenegative electric charge of a magnitude sufficient to produce movementin human hair when brought close to it;

e. means for maintaining a source of waste water to be treated;

f. means for mixing the treated diatomite and a metal chloride withwaste water to be treated for reacting;

g. means for drawing waste water from the source and injecting the wastewater with treated diatomite and a metal chloride mixed therein into thebottom of the first reaction zone under sufficient pressure so that itwill flow upwardly and overflows the top of the first reaction zone withat least the lower portion of the first reaction zone being in aturbulent state, the overflow flowing downwardly through the secondaryreaction zone;

h. means for recirculating a first portion of the down flow through thesecondary reaction zone to the bottom of the first reaction zone to bemixed with the waste water being injected into the bottom of the firstreaction zone;

i. means for recirculating a second portion of the down flow through thesecondary reaction zone to mix with the waste water from the source;

j. means for circulating a third portion of the down flow through thesecondary reaction zone to the collection zone surrounding the secondaryreaction zone whereupon the solids settle and separate from the water toform a first solids layer at the bottom of the collection zone and waterforms a second clarified layer at the top of the collection zone; and

k. means for removing clarified water from the top of the collectionzone and solids from the bottom of the collection zone.

The apparatus for treating waste water according to the above usesaluminium chloride as the metal chloride. A plurality of first reactionzones can be used. The apparatus can include means for subjecting thewaste to a preliminary treatment to remove heavy solids, large solidsand to oxygenate. The apparatus can include means to add agermicide/bactericide to the waste water before injection into the firstreaction zone to remove germs and bacteria.

The apparatus can include means for settling removed solids, adding awater separation material to the settled solids, removing water from thesolids to obtain substantially water-free solids, and means forreturning removed water to the source of waste water to be treated torecirculated same. The apparatus can include means for mixing the solidshaving water removed therefrom with a combustible material, means forburning the mixed solids and combustible material to generate hot gases,means for using the hot gases to generate electricity, means forcollecting the ash containing diatomite from the burned mixture, andmeans for using the collected ash as a soil improvement material toimprove soil. The apparatus can include means for removing diatomitefrom the ash for reusing the diatomite.

The apparatus can include means for neutralizing the pH of the wastewater prior to being injected into the first reaction zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic view showing the blending of ingredients,according to the present invention, to make the novel waste watertreatment mixture.

FIG. 2 is a block diagrammatic view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention showing the apparatus and illustrative of the methodof the present invention for the treatment of waste water utilizing thenovel mixture made according to the illustration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of the reaction chamberillustrated in FIG. 2 showing a modification.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the reaction chamber illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagrammatic view of a third embodiment and apreferred embodiment of the present invention showing the combination ofapparatus illustrative of the method of the present invention for thetreatment of waste water utilizing the novel mixture made according tothe illustration of FIG. 1, and the generation of energy and utilizationof the output of the waste water treatment so that no resulting wasteremains for disposal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to all of the figures and in particular now to FIG. 1 isshown, the method of making of the novel water treatment mixtureaccording to the present invention. Diatomite naturally carries a veryweak negative electrical charge, so weak that if brought close to humanhair, the hair will not move. As shown in FIG. 1 diatomite from source12 is added to or loaded into an iron (raw iron) vessel, pot or vat 10at room temperature, and stirred with an iron (raw iron) paddle orstirrer manually or by machine while being heated to preferably from180° F. to 200° F. at which point the negative electrical charge willhave been substantially enhanced or increased. This will be evidencedand determined by testing by bringing the diatomite close to human hairand note the movement of the hair. When substantial movement of the hairis noted, the negative electrical charge on the diatomite has beenincreased substantially. The heating of the diatomite to the notedtemperature will take from about 30 minutes to about 2 hours, dependingupon the amount of diatomite, the heat applied and the size of the ironpot before the temperature will reach the 180° F. to 200° F. point. Whenthe temperature of the diatomite, while being stirred reaches from about170° F. to about 225° F., and preferably 180° F. to 200° F., the desiredenhancement of the negative electrical charge will have been achieved.Heating above 225° F. will not give any substantial improvement and willonly waste energy. Heating and stirring the diatomite in metal vesselsother than iron, do not give good results. Thereafter, in the preferredembodiment, after the diatomite has cooled to room temperature,aluminium chloride is added to the vessel 10 from source 16 so that themixture comprises 50% by volume of diatomite and 50% of aluminiumchloride, and the mixture is stirred. Then, 1 to 5% by volume ofpolyacrilamide from source 18 is added and the final mixture, in powderform is stirred until homogeneous. At this point the mixture can bebagged and stored for later use. Shelf life of the mixture is about oneyear or longer.

As an alternative, but less effective mixture, ferric chloride fromsource 14 can be substituted for the aluminium chloride. The finalresulting mixture is in liquid form, as opposed to powder form and needsto be packaged accordingly.

A mixture of approximately 50% diatomite by volume that is preferablyfinely ground or which includes small particles of the diatomite andapproximately an equal volume of aluminium chloride gives the bestresults. The water treatment mixture is blended to form a homogenousmixture.

Magnesium chloride may also be used in certain specialized applications,either alone or in combination with aluminium chloride. The 1 to 5percent polyacrylamide, by volume, present in the mixture, especiallywhen used in the treatment for municipal waste water helps to acceleratethe removal of impurities from the incoming water, and helps in removingwater from the sludge, as will be explained hereinafter.

As noted, the diatomite is heated, in an iron (raw iron) vessel, to atemperature of from 180° F. to 200° F. The diatomite from source 12 isstirred in the iron vessel (i.e., a pan) using an iron (raw iron)paddle. The heat and stirring combine to enhance the weak naturallyoccurring negative electrical charge that characterizes naturaldiatomaceous earth, and give the diatomite a durable and substantiallyenhance negative electrical charge, as explained previously. When thediatomite is later cooled and used to form the water treatment mixture,the diatomite retains its enhanced negative electrical charge.

If the water treatment mixture is formed by blending aluminium chloridewith the diatomite and polyacrylamide, the resultant water treatmentmixture is a powder that can be stored for one year for later use as aflocculant with little or no loss of efficacy.

Tests have shown it to remain stable and effective for use for periodsup to about one year.

A sufficient portion of the enhanced negative electrical charge isretained for this period of time. No other known prior used diatomitehas the characteristics of the diatomite treated according to thepresent invention to have an enhanced negative electrical charge withthe durability mentioned above.

If the water treatment mixture is formed by blending ferric chloridewith the diatomite and polyacrylamide, the resultant water treatmentmixture forms a liquid solution that can be stored for an extendedperiod of time for later use as a flocculent. The mixture absorbsambient moisture (i.e., is hydroscopic) and will eventually becomeliquid if not shielded from ambient air. An additional quantity of watercan be added to attain a desired solution (i.e., liquid). A sufficientportion of the enhanced negative electrical charge is retained by themixture in this aqueous solution form for a reasonable period of time.

However, over the course of time, the diatomite tends to settle to thebottom of the solution containing the ferric chloride. Therefore, thesolution can either be used soon after it is initially blended or it canlater be re-stirred without detriment prior to use.

The benefits provided by the mixture of diatomite with the metallicchlorides result when blended and reacted, as is described later, withthe incoming water or waste water. It is also possible, after having hadbenefit of this disclosure, to add the diatomite and the metallicchloride separately to the water that is to be treated, as opposed topre-mixing them and then letting them mix in the treated water. It ispreferred, however, to premix them.

Accordingly, the instant disclosure describes in detail the preferredproducts and method for use. However, it is anticipated that asubstantial benefit will still be realized providing both the diatomiteand the metallic chloride are added to the water that is being treatedat some point within the overall time that is allotted for the durationof treatment of the water or waste water. It matters little which isadded first providing both are added (i.e., used) during the treatmentprocess and prior to injection of the treated water into the reactionchamber or zone.

The use of the water treatment mixture as part of the system hereindisclosed is described in greater detail hereinafter, in particularwhere it is used and how it is reacted with the incoming water or wastewater. At this time some of the general benefits that are provided bythe water treatment mixture are discussed.

The charged diatomite particles attract and retain small particles, evengerms and bacteria, for example, even e coli and other organisms andmicro-organisms are removed. The aluminium chloride (preferredmaterial), ferric chloride, or other metallic chloride also assumes asmall negative electrical charge from the diatomite and is useful inattracting and retaining larger particulates.

The combination is effective at removing a very broad spectrum ofpollutants, germs, bacteria, organisms, and various particulates fromeither industrial waste water or sewage water. The polyacrylamideprovides enhanced benefits useful in removing the broad spectrum ofpollutants by helping the pollutants adhere better to either thediatomite or to the metallic chloride.

Once the water treatment mixture has been reacted (i.e., allowed tocommingle with the waste water for a sufficient period of time) thediatomite and the aluminium chloride or the ferric chloride become heavyand tend to settle out and precipitate to the bottom as soon as the flowrates decrease. This forms a sludge that can later be flushed out foruse in a landfill or for use as fertilizer or for energy generation.

The cleaned and purified treated water accumulates at the top above thesludge and is directed away from the treatment facility for dischargeinto a body of water, for example, a lake or river or ocean, or it isrecycled for possible further filtering and reuse, for example for cropirrigation or for human consumption as drinking water.

The water treatment mixture has been shown effective at removing heavymetals, inks, and other substances from the waste water. If the wastewater includes either a low or a high pH, it is desirable to neutralizethe pH using materials known for this purpose, such as, lime if the pHis acidic and using acids, such as muriatic acid, if the pH is basic,prior to reacting the waste water with the water treatment mixture. Onereason for first neutralizing the pH is that whatever substance is usedto neutralize the pH and whatever substance may remain thereafter, canin all likelihood also be removed from the waste water (or other sourceof water) by the water treatment mixture, thereby resulting in optimumtreatment of the water.

At times, the waste water may contain a toxic substance or othersubstance that requires an additional or special treatment of some kind.This can occur if the waste water is derived from industrial waste waterthat typically or on occasion is toxic.

Specialized treatment is sometimes required for sewage waste water; iffor example, an inappropriate dumping in a drain results in toxicsubstances. Special treatment may also be required if the resultantwater can possibly be used as a source of irrigation or drinking water.

In all of these instances it is desirable to perform the additional orspecial treatment adding whatever material(s) is/are necessary to thewaste water to treat toxic or other substances that may be presentbefore reacting the waste water with the mixture. This again is so thatwhatever substance(s) may remain after the additional or specialtreatment has occurred, they can in all likelihood also be removed fromthe waste water by reacting the treated water with the mixture.

Similarly, if desired, any bactericide, germicide, or other substancesintended to kill or weaken any organisms (bacteria, germs, viruses,micro-organisms, etc.) can also in all likelihood be removed along withdead or weakened organism by the water treatment mixture, therebyresulting in optimum treatment of the water. Therefore, these agents(i.e., the bactericide, germicide, etc.) are preferably added to thewater prior to reacting the water with the mixture.

If the waste (or other source of) water were to include oils that arelighter than water, it is possible for the water treatment mixture,after it has been reacted with the waste water, to float to the toprather than precipitate to the bottom of the tank. This is more commonwith industrial waste waters that include oil based paints and othertypes of oil based wastes than with sewage systems or drinking waterpurification systems. If this happens, it is then necessary to sweep thetop of the tank to gather and remove the reacted water treatment mixturefrom the cleaned water which would now be disposed underneath the skimat the top.

It is also possible to vary the proportions of diatomite and themetallic chloride depending upon what pollutants and contaminants are inthe waste water. A nearly fifty-fifty mixture by volume is preferred forthe ratio of the diatomite to the metallic chloride to start, with thepolyacrylamide not generally exceeding five percent of the overall totalvolume. This proportion is varied depending upon the specific needs ofthe treatment facility. Testing and variation will provide optimumresults.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a waste water treatment system,identified in general by the reference numeral 100 that is designed tooptimally function with the water treatment mixture obtained from themethod of mixing described in conjunction with FIG. 1.

Entering untreated water, herein referred to as “waste water 102” passesthrough a solid screen station 104 and then to a solid sand settlingtank 106 to remove the remaining solids from the waste water 102. Fromthere the waste water 102 goes to a waiting tank or reservoir 108 andthen to an oxygen tank 110 where oxygen (or ambient air) is added to thewaste water 102. From tank 110 the waste water 102 is directed to acollecting tank 112. From here, prior to the waste water 102 beingpumped into a reaction chamber 114, the water treatment mixture 150 fromsource 150′ is added in a proportioned mixture and quantity suitable tothe degree of pollution in the waste water 102, as was describedhereinabove. This can be done simply by inserting mixture 150 into theline leading from the collecting tank 112, or by inserting a smallmixing tank in the line.

The water treatment mixture 150 and waste water 102 via a pump (notshown) are pumped, mixed and injected into the reaction chamber 114. Thereaction chamber 114 is defined by a cylindrical wall 114′ within aninverted conical settling tank 120. Within the reaction chamber 114 isan inverted conical funnel 116. The lower end of funnel 116 is coupledto a short pipe 117 that is connected at its lower end to an invertedcup 119 having an open bottom mouth. A nozzle 121 is positioned at theentrance to the inverted cup 119 at it mouth; nozzle 121 being fed bythe line carrying the waste water 102 and mixture 150 leading from thecollecting tank 112 and pump. A circular inclined baffle 123 of umbrellashape extends from the lower end of the funnel 116 directed downwardlytoward the lower end of cylindrical wall 114′, but terminates short ofwall 114′ so that an annular space 125 is left open.

The waste water 102 and the water treatment mixture 150 is pumped andinjected into the bottom of reaction chamber 114 inside of the V shapedfunnel 116 proximate its lower smaller end. The waste water 102 and thewater treatment mixture 150 is circulated up through the V shaped funnel116 with turbulence so that the water treatment mixture 150 reacts withthe waste water 102, attracting (in part, by the enhanced negativeelectrical charges) and adhering the pollutants and solid particles inthe waste water 102 to the water treatment mixture acting as aflocculant, as has been previously described.

Due to the shape of the funnel 116, the velocity of the up flowingstream slows appreciably as it nears the top, whereupon it overflow thetop of the V shaped funnel 116 and flows downwardly toward the bottom ofthe V shaped funnel 116 in the annular space 141 between the funnel 116and the cylindrical wall 114′ while continuing to react, see arrows 129.A small opening 131 formed by pipe 117 and cup 119 at the inlet to the Vshaped funnel 116 allows a portion of the re-circulating and partiallyreacted mixture to be drawn or sucked, via nozzle 121, into the enteringstream of the waste water 102 and the water treatment mixture 150 thatis being forced into the reaction chamber 114 by nozzle 121, see arrows118. Meanwhile, the descending flow, see arrow 131, at the bottom of thecylindrical wall 114′, turns outwardly and reverses direction to goupwardly again after passing through the annular space 125 definedbetween the bottom of wall 114′ and the inclined wall of tank 120. Acylindrical baffle 127 surrounds the cylindrical wall 114′ and is spacedfrom it to define an annular space. As this portion of the flow goesupwardly, through the annular space defined by baffle 127, the solidsand other material in the stream, that have been captured by theflocculent, start to settle into sludge while the clarified water 122continues to rise upwardly in tank 120, ultimately overflowing the topedge of tank 120 via line 122′. The sludge layer 124 builds up in tank120 surrounding the baffle 127, and from time to time is removed vialine 124′. A layer 126 forms between the clarified water 122 and thesludge 124, and is composed of a mixture of sludge and water, in processof separating. The bottom of layer 126 is essentially located at the topof the baffle 127. The system 100 is designed so that at least one-halfof the incoming waste water 102 is re-circulated in the reaction chamber114 using line 133 leading from the bottom of tank 120 to collectingtank 112. Again, depending upon the specific needs, the amount ofre-circulation can be extended or controlled as desired. For thispurpose, suitable valves are inserted into all lines for controlpurposes, as is standard in the art.

Ideally, the time for reacting the water treatment mixture 150 with thewaste water 102 in the reaction chamber 114, and the time spent in thesettling tank 120 until the clear water 122 is of sufficient quality fordischarge, is not over two hours time. This is considerably faster thanany currently known method. Due to the process of the system, the clearwater 122 has a BOD of less than 10 and suspended solids of less than10. However, this time is a variable that is affected by the designparameters of the system 100, the incoming flow rate of the waste water102, and the quantity and ratio (i.e., proportions) of the mixture 150that are applied to the waste water 102. If space is not a problem, itmay be more economical in certain instances to increase the size of thesettling tank 120 (or tanks) while using a more diluted form of themixture 150 and allowing considerably more than two hours for treatmentto occur.

If the incoming flow rate of the waste water 102 were to increase, thenmore settling tanks 120 could be utilized or possibly more of themixture 150 could be used to accelerate the process, as desired.Therefore, it is to be understood that even though faster treatmenttimes are one benefit provided by the mixture 150 and system 100, alonger treatment time is still possible with many of the benefits hereindescribed being attained at low cost. Whatever substance may remainthereafter, can in all likelihood also be removed from the waste water(or other source of water) by the water treatment mixture 150, therebyresulting in optimum treatment of the water. Accordingly, the mixture150 and system 100 are scaled up or down in size to accommodate anywater treatment or purification need.

A baffle plate 128 is disposed adjacent to the reaction chamber 114. Thebaffle plate 128 is higher than the V shaped funnel 116 and is alsohigher than the water line at the top of funnel 116. Therefore, thebaffle plate 128 directs the water-mixture overflowing the top edge ofthe funnel 116 to flow more uniformly down the annular space surroundingthe funnel 116.

It is noted that the system 100 and mixture 150 are effective atremoving solids from the water 102, but not gases that may be insuspension in the water 102, for example, ammonia, nitrogen, or otherodorous gases. Ambient air is forced into the bottom of the oxygen tank110. Ambient air bubbles form and then rise. As they rise, they capturethe bulk of gases that are in suspension taking them to the surface andout of the water.

The location of the oxygen tank 110 can be varied in the system 100 asdesired. For example, instead of it being before the collecting tank112, it could be located later so that it receives the purified treatedwater 122 that is being discharged from the settlement tank 120 forsubsequent removal of the gases from the treated water 122.

The mixture 150 and the waste water 102 that is being pumped from thecollecting tank 112 into the base of the reaction chamber 114 creates aVenturi that helps to draw in all of the waste water 102 that is downflowing in the annular space 141 between the cylindrical wall 114′ andthe funnel 116. This ensures that typically, more than one-half andminimally, at least one-half of the waste water 102 entering into thereaction chamber 114 will be forced around (recirculated) to againre-enter the reaction chamber 114. This recirculation improves theefficiency of the system 100.

The sludge 124′ is pumped or directed into a sludge settlement tank 132.A water separation material 134, such as polyacrylamide, may be added toassist in the separation process and the resultant combination of thesludge 124 and the separation material 134 is directed to a knownstate-of-the-art water separation machine 136.

The water separation machine 136 is used to separate additional wastewater 102 a from the solid waste material in the sludge 124. The waterseparation machine 136 uses centrifugal force or pressure to typicallyeffect the separation. The solid waste material portion of the sludge124 is discharged from the water separation machine 136 into a truck(typical) and is taken either to a land fill or to a processing facilityfor possible additional treatment, packaging, and eventual sale for useas fertilizer.

The additional waste water 102 a that is extracted from the sludge 124by the water separation machine 136 is directed to a collection tank138. From the collection tank 138, the additional waste water 102 a issent again to the collecting tank 112 for additional reacting.

Similar additional waste water 102 a is obtained from the sludgesettlement tank 132 and is also directed back to the collecting tank 112for additional reacting.

It is further noted that if a bactericide/germicide 140 is to be used tokill or weaken any organisms such as bacteria, germs, viruses,micro-organisms, etc., the bactericide and/or germicide 140 ispreferably added before the mixture 150 is added to the waste water 102so that when the mixture 150 (i.e., the flocculant) is reacted with thewaste water 102, the remaining bactericide/germicide 140 and theremaining dead or weakened bacteria, germs, and viruses can be removedas well from the water 102.

The same timing applies, as was previously described, to neutralizingthe pH, or for any other treatment (i.e., for substances or toxins) thatis to be accomplished.

It is also noted that, as described hereinabove, it is possible toseparately add the diatomite and the metallic chloride, either one beingadded first to the waste water 102, and also to separately add thepolyacrylamide, providing that the diatomite and the desired metallicchloride are both added before injection into the reaction chamber 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a further embodiment is show in whichseveral reaction chambers are included in a single tank. As shown, arethree serial arranged inverted pyramids defined by slanted walls 216form V-shaped funnels labelled 1, 2 and 3 that converge at the bottom toopenings 218 and have wider open tops terminating slightly below the topof tank 220 in which they are mounted.

The waste water 102 and the water treatment mixture 150 is pumped intothe bottom of each reaction chamber 214 inside of the associated Vshaped funnel 216 proximate the convergence point. This forces the wastewater 102 and the water treatment mixture 150 up through the V shapedfunnel 216 where the water treatment mixture 150 reacts with the wastewater 102, attracting (in part, by the negative charge) and adhering thepollutants thereto, as has been previously described. The overflow ofthe funnel goes down the space between the walls 214 and the funnel 216,as previously explained, and recirculated. Some of the down flow passesinto the tank 220 and creates sludge layer 224 and clarified water layer222 with a mixed layer 226 between them.

This process is repeated for as long as necessary or desired until thediatomite and metallic chloride have sufficiently reacted with the wastewater 102, become heavier and settle out the bottom through an openinginto settling tank 220. Clear purified treated water 222 rises to thetop for discharge while sludge 224 forms at the bottom of the settlingtank 220. A layer of a mixture of sludge and water 226 forms in-betweenthe sludge 224 and the treated water 222.

The system is designed so that at least one-half of the incoming wastewater 102 is re-circulated in the reaction chambers 214. Again,depending upon the specific needs, the amount of re-circulation can beextended as desired.

Ideally, the time for reacting the water treatment mixture 150 with thewaste water 102 in the reaction chamber 214 and the time spent in thesettling tank 220 until the clear water 222 is of sufficient quality fordischarge is not over two hours time. This is considerably faster thanany currently known method.

However, this time is a variable that is affected by the designparameters of the system, the incoming flow rate of the waste water 102,and the quantity and ratio (i.e., proportions) of the mixture 150 thatare applied to the waste water 102. If space is not a problem, it may bemore economical in certain instances to increase the size of thesettling tank 220 (or tanks) while using a more diluted form of themixture 150 and allowing considerably more than two hours for treatmentto occur.

If the incoming flow rate of the waste water 102 were to increase, thenmore of the reaction chambers 214 and possibly more settling tanks 220could be utilized or possibly more of the mixture 150 could be used toaccelerate the process, as desired.

Therefore, it is to be understood that even though faster treatmenttimes are one benefit provided by the mixture 150 and system, a longertreatment time is still possible with many of the benefits hereindescribed being attained at low cost, whatever substance may remainthereafter, can in all likelihood also be removed from the waste water(or other source of water) by the water treatment mixture 150, therebyresulting in optimum treatment of the water.

A baffle plate 228 is disposed adjacent to each reaction chamber 214.The baffle plates 128 (sees FIGS. 3 & 4) are higher than the V shapedfunnels 216 and they are also higher than a water line (217, FIG. 3).Therefore, the baffle plates 128 direct the waste water 102 that entersinto each of the reaction chambers 214 into one of two exit paths, afirst path 219 a and a second path 219 b (FIG. 3). The purpose of thisis described in greater detail hereinafter.

The system shown and described in conjunction with the illustrations ofFIGS. 3 and 4 include all the components described with respect to FIG.2. Therefore, it is noted that the system and mixture 150 are effectiveat removing solids from the water 102, but not gases that may be insuspension in the water 102, for example, ammonia, nitrogen, or otherodorous gases. Ambient air is forced into the bottom of the oxygen tank110.

Ambient air bubbles form and then rise. As they rise, they capture thebulk of gases that are in suspension taking them to the surface and outof the water.

The location of the oxygen tank 110 can be varied in the system asdesired. For example, instead of it being before the collecting tank112, it could be located later so that it receives the purified treatedwater 222 that is being discharged from the settlement tank 220 forsubsequent removal of the gases from the treated water 222.

It is also noted that, as described hereinabove, it is possible toseparately add the diatomite and the metallic chloride, either one beingadded first to the waste water 102, and also to separately add thepolyacrylamide, providing that the diatomite and the desired metallicchloride are both added before injecting the waste water into tank 220.

Referring again in particular to FIG. 4, which shows a top view of thereaction chamber 214 and settling tank 220 of FIG. 3, three of thereaction chambers 214 defined by walls 214′ are shown. As incomingvolume of the waste water 202 varies, valves (not shown) are opened orclosed to direct the incoming waste water 202 that is combined with thewater treatment mixture 150 into as many of the reaction chambers 214 asare needed to handle the flow rate. Three reaction chambers 214 persettling tank 220 are generally preferred, however, any number of thereaction chambers 214 can be used with one or more (i.e., any number) ofthe settling tanks 220 to accommodate any volume of flow for theincoming waste water 102. Accordingly, the mixture 150 and system arescaled up or down in size to accommodate any water treatment orpurification need.

The sludge 224 is periodically pumped out for depositing at a land fillor for use as fertilizer. The sludge 224 has retail value and can besold as fertilizer. The mixture 226 continues to separate forming moresludge 224 that settles to the bottom of the tank 220 and more purifiedwater 222 that rises upward.

It is also noted that the flocculation process continues as long as anyof the mixture 150 remains in the settling tank 220. Even the sludge 224at the bottom of the tank 220 continues to attract, by way of itselectrical charge, ever more substances until the water 222 is finallydischarged out of the tank 220 and system. A channel 230 is provided todirect the clear water 222 out of the settling tank 220 for eitherdirect discharge into a lake, stream, body or water, ocean, or for apossible second treatment, for example, for additional purification foruse as a drinking water, or for current reuse as irrigation water, etc.,as desired.

The baffle plates 228 are used to direct the waste water 102 rising outof the reaction chambers 214 into either the first path 219 a or thesecond path 219 b, as mentioned hereinbefore. The first path 219 acirculates to the left (as shown in FIG. 3) where the waste water 102 isdirected generally downward toward the small opening 218 at the inlet tothe V shaped funnel 216, Some of the waste water 102 enters into thesmall opening 218 where it once again flows into the reaction chamber214 for additional agitation and reacting with the mixture 150. However,a portion of the waste water 102 that travels along the first path 219 ais directed away from the small opening 218 and toward the settling tank220 where it enters the settling tank 220 by passing through a tankinlet 221.

The portion of the waste water 102 entering the settling tank 220 thenmingles with the mixture of sludge and water 226 where the reaction withthe mixture 150 continues over time, forming additional particulatesthat precipitate to form more sludge 224 on the bottom while leavingbehind more treated water 222 that rises to the top.

Accordingly, it is important to pump out the accumulating sludge 224 sothat its level does not rise up to that of the tank inlet 221. Thiswould make it more difficult for any waste water 102 to enter into thesettling tank 220.

The waste water 102 that flows out of the reaction chamber 214 along thesecond path 219 b (to the right as shown in FIG. 3) has no choice otherthan to flow downward to the small opening 218 where it once again allflows into the reaction chamber 214 for additional agitation andreacting with the mixture 150. Since about one-half of all of the wastewater 102 that leaves the reaction chamber 214 travels along the secondpath 219 b, this particular half of the waste water 102 is forced tore-enter the reaction chamber 214 for additional reacting with themixture 150.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a system is shown that makes use of allpossible aspects of the water treatment so that all derived materialsare utilized to the fullest. As shown in FIG. 5, the waste water isintroduced into the system in block 300. The diatomite mixture asdescribed with reference to FIG. 2 is added from block 302. Clean waterand sludge are obtained in block 304 using the system described inconjunction with FIG. 2.

The dried sludge obtained from block 304 may by itself supportcombustion. If so, then it can be fed into a furnace, such as a furnacewith a moving grate, and burned to generate hot gases, which can be usedin a known way to produce electricity. If the sludge will not itselfindependently support full combustion, the sludge can be mixed with acombustion enhancement, such as coal dust, to render it morecombustible, and fed to a furnace, such as a furnace with a movinggrate. The sludge and coal dust or larger size coal particles are mixed50% to 70% by volume of sludge and 30% to 50% by volume coal dust orlarger sized coal particles. Other known combustion supporting materialscan be used instead of or in combination with the coal dust. The mixedsludge and coal dust will constitute a combustible mixture and willsupport burning. The effluent hot gases are used to generate energy,such as electricity in block 306 in any conventional or known way. Theash emanating from the furnace in block 308 includes the diatomite thatwas originally added to the waste water in block 302. The ash anddiatomite can be used directly as a fertilizer improving material andadded to soil in block 310. Alternatively, the diatomite can beseparated from the ash and recycled back to the water treatment in block304. The return of the fertilizer to the soil promotes the growth ofvegetation and trees in block 312. The outputs of the system shown inFIG. 5 are clean water usable for any desired purpose; electricityusable as a source of power; CO₂ usable to promote the growth ofvegetation and trees; and O₂ from the vegetation and trees usable byhumans and animals for breathing. The present invention provides a novelmethod that results in a total environmental clean-up and utilization ofthe products used in and obtained from the treatment of waste water,particularly, municipal waste water.

The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantialdetail with reference to the presently preferred embodiments. It will beunderstood by those skilled in this art that other and further changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. A composition for use as a flocculant for removing deleterioussubstances from water, comprising a mixture of treated diatomite and ametal chloride having a long term sustainable negative electric chargeof a magnitude sufficient to produce movement in human hair when broughtclose to it.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the metalchloride is selected from the group consisting of ferric chloride,aluminium chloride, and magnesium chloride.
 3. A composition accordingto claim 1 wherein the metallic chloride is aluminium chloride.
 4. Acomposition according to claim 1 wherein the mixture is composed ofequal parts by volume of diatomite and metallic chloride.
 5. Acomposition according to claim 1 wherein the mixture includespolyacrylamide.
 6. A composition according to claim 5 wherein themixture is composed of equal parts by volume of diatomite and aluminiumchloride, and from 1 to 5% of polyacrylamide.
 7. A method of making acomposition for use as a flocculant for removing deleterious substancesfrom water, comprising the steps of a. heating diatomite in an ironvessel from room temperature to a temperature of from 170° F. to 225°F., b. stirring with an iron paddle during heating to substantiallyenhance diatomite's natural negative charge electrical, c. cooling theheated and stirred diatomite to room temperature, and d. mixing thecooled diatomite with a metal chloride selected from the groupconsisting of ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, and magnesiumchloride,
 8. A method of making a composition according to claim 7wherein polyacrylamide is added to the mixture.
 9. A method of making acomposition according to claim 7 wherein the heating is to 180° F. to200° F.
 10. A method of making a composition according to claim 7wherein the mixture is of equal parts by volume of the diatomite and themetal chloride.
 11. A method of making a composition according to claim10 including adding 1 to 5% of polyacrylamide to the mixture.
 12. Amethod for treating waste water, comprising the steps of: a.establishing a vertically oriented first reaction zone having a crosssection that increases from a small cross section at the bottom to amaximum at the top; b. establishing a vertically oriented secondaryreaction zone surrounding the first reaction zone that communicates withthe first reaction zone at top and bottom; c. establishing a verticallyoriented collection zone surrounding the secondary reaction zone thatcommunicates with the secondary reaction zone at the bottom; d. treatingdiatomite to impart a long term sustainable negative electric charge ofa magnitude sufficient to produce movement in human hair when broughtclose to it; e. maintaining a source of waste water to be treated; f.mixing the treated diatomite and a metal chloride with waste water to betreated; g. drawing waste water from the source and injecting the wastewater with treated diatomite and a metal chloride mixed therein into thebottom of the first reaction zone under sufficient pressure so that itwill flow upwardly and overflows the top of the first reaction zone withat least the lower portion of the first reaction zone being in aturbulent state, the overflow flowing downwardly through the secondaryreaction zone; h. recirculating a first portion of the down flow throughthe secondary reaction zone to the bottom of the first reaction zone tobe mixed with the waste water being injected into the bottom of thefirst reaction zone; i. recirculating a second portion of the down flowthrough the secondary reaction zone to mix with the waste water from thesource; j. ;circulating a third portion of the down flow through thesecondary reaction zone to the collection zone surrounding the secondaryreaction zone whereupon the solids settle and separate from the water toform a first solids layer at the bottom of the collection zone and waterforms a second clarified layer at the top of the collection zone; and k.removing clarified water from the top of the collection zone and solidsfrom the bottom of the collection zone.
 13. A method for treating wastewater according to claim 12 wherein the metal chloride is aluminiumchloride.
 14. A method for treating waste water according to claim 12wherein a plurality of first reaction zones are employed.
 15. A methodfor treating waste water according to claim 12 wherein the waste wateris subjected to a preliminary treatment to remove heavy solids, largesolids and is oxygenated.
 16. A method for treating waste wateraccording to claim 12 wherein a germicide/bactericide is added to thewaste water before injection into the first reaction zone.
 17. A methodfor treating waste water according to claim 12 further including thesteps of settling removed solids, adding a water separation material tothe settled solids, removing water from the solids, and returningremoved water to the source of waste water to be treated.
 18. A methodfor treating sewage containing waste water according to claim 17including the steps of mixing the solids having water removed therefromwith a combustible material, burning the mixed solids and combustiblematerial to generate hot gases, using the hot gases to generateelectricity, collecting the ash containing diatomite from the burnedmixture, using the collected ash as a soil improvement material.
 19. Amethod for treating waste water according to claim 18 including thefurther steps of removing diatomite from the ash, and reusing thediatomite in step (d).
 20. A method for treating waste water accordingto claim 12 wherein the pH of the waste water is neutralized prior tobeing injected into the first reaction zone.
 21. Apparatus for treatingwaste water, comprising: a. means for establishing a vertically orientedfirst reaction zone having a cross section that increases from a smallcross section at the bottom to a maximum at the top for reacting wastewater; b. means for establishing a vertically oriented secondaryreaction zone surrounding the first reaction zone that communicates withthe first reaction zone at top and bottom for continuing reacting wastewater; c. means for establishing a vertically oriented collection zonesurrounding the secondary reaction zone that communicates with thesecondary reaction zone at the bottom for collecting solids andclarified water; d. means for treating diatomite to impart a long termsustainable negative electric charge of a magnitude sufficient toproduce movement in human hair when brought close to it; e. means formaintaining a source of waste water to be treated; f. means for mixingthe treated diatomite and a metal chloride with waste water to betreated for reacting; g. means for drawing waste water from the sourceand injecting the waste water with treated diatomite and a metalchloride mixed therein into the bottom of the first reaction zone undersufficient pressure so that it will flow upwardly and overflows the topof the first reaction zone with at least the lower portion of the firstreaction zone being in a turbulent state, the overflow flowingdownwardly through the secondary reaction zone; h. means forrecirculating a first portion of the down flow through the secondaryreaction zone to the bottom of the first reaction zone to be mixed withthe waste water being injected into the bottom of the first reactionzone; i. means for recirculating a second portion of the down flowthrough the secondary reaction zone to mix with the waste water from thesource; j. means for circulating a third portion of the down flowthrough the secondary reaction zone to the collection zone surroundingthe secondary reaction zone whereupon the solids settle and separatefrom the water to form a first solids layer at the bottom of thecollection zone and water forms a second clarified layer at the top ofthe collection zone; and k. means for removing clarified water from thetop of the collection zone and solids from the bottom of the collectionzone.
 22. Apparatus for treating waste water according to claim 21wherein the metal chloride is aluminium chloride.
 23. Apparatus fortreating waste water according to claim 21 including a plurality offirst reaction zones.
 24. Apparatus for treating waste water accordingto claim 21 including means for subjecting the waste to a preliminarytreatment to remove heavy solids, large solids and to oxygenate. 25.Apparatus for treating waste water according to claim 21 including meansto add a germicide/bactericide to the waste water before injection intothe first reaction zone to remove germs and bacteria.
 26. Apparatus fortreating waste water according to claim 21 further including means forsettling removed solids to separate out water, means for adding a waterseparation material to the settled solids for removing additional water,means for removing additional water from the solids to obtainsubstantially water-free solids, and means for returning recirculatingremoved water to the source of waste water to be treated for furtherprocessing of the removed water.
 27. Apparatus for treating sewagecontaining waste water according to claim 26 including means for burningthe solids having water removed therefrom to generate hot gases, meansfor using the hot gases to generate electricity, means for collectingthe ash containing diatomite from the burned mixture, and means forusing the collected ash as a soil improvement material to improve soil.28. Apparatus for treating sewage according to claim 27 furtherincluding means for mixing the solids with a combustible material forenhancing burning.
 29. Apparatus for treating waste water according toclaim 27 including means for removing diatomite from the ash for reusingthe diatomite.
 30. Apparatus for treating waste water according to claim21 including means for neutralizing the pH of the waste water prior tobeing injected into the first reaction zone.